Participation of Palestinian woman in the PLC elections for the years 1996,2006

The mixed electoral system which was based on constituencies and lists. Palestinian women won 17 seats out

of the first elections in Palestine were conducted in 1996. 27 Palestinian women were nominated according to the132 based on list system as follows.⇔

The Second Palestinian Legislative Council Elected in 2006

The First Palestinian Legislative Council Elected in 1996

Females

Males

Total

Females

Males

Total

17

115

132

5

83

88

The Second Palestinian Legislative Council Elected in 2006

The First Palestinian Legislative Council Elected in 1996

Females

Males

Total

Females

Males

Total

17

115

132

5

83

88

Representation of women in the second

Representation of women in the second Legislative Council

in accordance with the list system

Females

Males

Total

Electoral list

8

20

28

Fatah List

6

23

29

Change and Reform List

0

2

2

Alternative List

1

1

2

Third Way List

1

1

2

Independent Palestine list

1

2

3

Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa

Despite the fact that the electoral system in Palestine was based on the quota of women, the voter turnout of Palestinian women was low. Thus, the result confirms that advancement and development in the culture of Palestinian society should be a central issue in any future agenda for enhancing democracy.

The Palestinian parliament has the power to pass new laws, repeal old laws, and to amend the existing laws. The draft law (bill) must be submitted to Parliament before Parliament can consider making it a law. Most Bills are prepared by government departments under the direction of their deputy ministers, or it may be referred to the Parliament by the president. Preparation of bills involves going through many steps, for example; first reading, second, and third reading.